Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs
rcole@uasystem.edu
(205) 348-8341

Ray Cole serves as Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs for The ÖíÖíapp, overseeing federal governmental affairs for UA, UAH, UAB and the UAB Health System.

Prior to joining the UA System in 2024, Ray was Vice President at Van Scoyoc Associates, a Washington, D.C.-based federal government affairs firm. During his 25 years with Van Scoyoc Associates, he served as an advocate for multiple clients in higher education, corporations and trade associations and helped successfully achieve policy changes in various areas of federal advocacy. Known in Washington lobbying circles as an effective policy advocate, Ray has been recognized by The Hill as one of Washington’s Top Lobbyists and has been included in Yellowhammer News' "Power & Influence."

Ray’s previous experience includes serving as a senior staff member to U.S. Senator Richard Shelby and a member of the Bush-Cheney Transition Team as an advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce. Additionally, he has worked as a political consultant and staff member on numerous presidential, congressional, gubernatorial and referendum campaigns.

A graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and Business Administration, Ray serves on the UA President’s Cabinet and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership. He is a former member of the Advisory Board for UA’s Blackburn Institute.